OPPD warns of scammers claiming to represent billing department

Published 8:58 AM CDT Jun 26, 2013

OMAHA, Neb. -

The Omaha Public Power District said it's seen a resurgence of a scam from January, where scammers falsely claim to represent the district's billing department in an effort to con customers out of money.

This time, however, OPPD said the targeted customers have Latino surnames, indicating that scammers may be trying to take advantage of customers for whom they suspect language barriers exist.

The scammers tell customers that their payment is overdue or that they must pay for installation of new equipment, such as meters. OPPD said the scammers demand money, a credit card number or other financial information.

OPPD said the scammers have even instructed customers to shut off security systems to "help the utility save energy" or they falsely claim that it's a good way for the customer to reduce energy bills.

A few tips to avoid being scammed include:

Never give personal or financial information to a stranger during an unsolicited phone call.

Always ask for identification or verification when a person shows up at your house claiming to work for OPPD. The district's employees always carry identification.

Refuse to turn off security systems simply because a stranger asks you to do so. Anyone who receives a call like this should call police.

OPPD said it is working with the Omaha Police Department to investigate the latest scam.

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